Trends in Healthcare Essay Example for Free

Trends in Healthcare Essay In the history of the United States there have been an overall transformation of the way the public experiences health care. Paul Starr eloquently explains trends that have affected the health care system in his books The Social Transformation of American Medicine and Remedy and Reaction. An in depth overview of the history of medicine gives a greater understanding of the trends that shape the system we experience today. The first major trend that shaped medicine is the delivery of medicine to the public from the 1800s to present. In the early 1800s individuals received medical care by individuals that were not properly trained and did not have proper knowledge of sanitary care for patients. In the 1850s the invention of the stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, laryngoscope, microscope x-ray, and EKG provided a transforming medical community that began relying on technology of care to provide better diagnoses and care. With the invention of these medical devices, patients moved from caring for individuals in their homes to the hospital facilities and contributed to a higher survival rate. With the development of more hospitals to care for the sick, we also began to see the formation of multiple hospitals to tailor to multiple religious denominations. The next major trend discussed in the trend in the way we finance health care. Financing for health care in the private sector began to change in 1929 when Blue Cross was formed at Baylor University for school teachers in Dallas, TX. There was a dual purpose for this program. It provided coverage for individuals so that there would not be financial consequences as a result of hospital care. In essence it was a safety net to also ensure hospitals received payment for services rendered. The insurance company assumed the risk, based on the profitability of a claim. In 1939 another program was developed called Blue Shield. Blue Shield was designed by a group of physicians as a way of reimbursing physicians services and medical and surgical services. The coverage did not include coverage for pharmaceuticals. Monetary payment was made to an insured which could be assigned to a provider. We also saw the development of the Federal  Government third party payers such as Medicaid or Medicare. Especially today we are seeing the move toward more regulation and the possibility of requiring health coverage for all with a penalty if the coverage is not purchased. The third trend we see in health care is the utilization of health care. In the early 1800s care was primarily provided to patients who were likely facing a detrimental condition for which there was no care. Methods were not in place to provide surgeries that were sanitary and technology had yet to provide equipment to diagnosis conditions. In the 21st century we see a trend to move toward preventative care. More and more health insurance companies are offering incentives on deductibles as a way to encourage annual visits so as to possibly lower health care costs for major illnesses that could arise and could possibly be prevented in identified earlier. Health care is a field that is forever changing, and it could not be truer than when we turn on the news to see the latest headlines regarding Obamacare. There has long been a struggle on how to best provide coverage availability to Americans without infringing on their freedom of choice. Health care continues to be one of the most costly challenges we face, and as we have seen in the past decades, it is a topic that is ever transforming.

Smoking Cigarettes :: Argumentative Persuasive Example Essays

Cigarette smoking has been identified as the most important source of preventable morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 440,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of "secondhand" exposure to tobacco's carcinogens. Smoking costs the United States over $150 billion each year in health-care costs including $81.9 billion in mortality-related productivity loses and $75.5 billion in excess medical expenditures. In the United States, an estimated 25.6 million men and 22.6 million women are smokers. These people are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The latest estimates for persons age 18 and older show: Among whites, 25.1 percent of men and 21.7 percent of women smoke. Among black or African Americans, 27.6 percent of men and 18.0 percent of women smoke. Among Hispanics/Latinos, 23.2 percent of men and 12.5 percent of women smoke. Among Asians, 21.3 percent of men and 6.9 percent of women smoke. Studies show that smoking prevalence is higher among those with 9-11 years of education (35.4 percent) compared with those with more than 16 years of education (11.6 percent). It's highest among persons living below the poverty level (33.3 percent). Tobacco started growing in the Americas in 6000 BC. 100 BC, people started using tobacco leaves for smoking and chewing. Now it has grown in a nasty, hard to break habit. The first paper rolled cigarette was made in 1832. It is widely believed that Egyptians soldiers were the first to make this, now famous past-time. Other historians suggest that Russians and Turks learned about cigarettes from the French, who in turn may have learned about smoking from the Spanish. It is thought that paupers in Seville were making a form of cigarette, known as ‘papelette’, from the butts of discarded cigars and papers as early as the 17th century. In 1856, the first cigarette factory opened. It was in Walworth, England, and owned by Robert Golag, a veteran of the Crimean War. Four decades later, fears about the effects of cigarette smoking aroused in The Lancet. During World War I, smoking became hugely popular with soldiers in battlefields of northern Europe and cigarettes became known as ‘soldier’s smoke’. In 1964, the United States Surgeon General Luther Terry announced that smoking caused lung cancer. Shortly after, in 1965, the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act required US Surgeon General’s warning’s on cigarette packs.

Pros & Cons of Legalizing Marijuana

Pros & Cons of Legalizing Marijuana From Deborah White, former About. com Guide See More About:marijuanaobama policiescivil liberties Photo: John Moore/Getty Images Ads The Arcadia Spine Center www. TheArcadiaSpineCenter. com Specializing in holistic treatment for neck pain, and low back pain Alcohol Abuse Solutions www. AskListenLearn. com Take The Pledge & Say No To Alcohol We'll Help You Achieve Your Goals. Is He Cheating On You? Spokeo. com/Cheating-Spouse-Search 1) Enter His E-Mail Address 2) See Hidden Pics & Social Profiles Now!More US Liberal Politics Ads Marijuana Juvenile Crime Statistics Cons Politics Weed Ads Find a Lawyer – Free www. LegalMatch. com Free, Confidential Lawyer Locator. Save Time – Describe Your Case Now! Free teeth whitening www. arcadiamaindental. com Cosmetic & Family Dentist Arcadia Please call or email for details (Continued from Page 1) Pros (See page one of this article for current developments and milestones in U. S. marijuana history. ) Primary reasons in support of legalizing marijuana are: Social ReasonsProhibition of marijuana is unwarranted government intrusion into individual freedom of choice. Marijuana is no more harmful to a person's health than alcohol or tobacco, which are both legal and widely used, and regulated by the U. S. Food & Drug Administration. Marijuana has proven medical benefits for cancer, AIDS, glaucoma and other patients. Crime and violence, both within the U. S. and at the U. S. -Mexico border, are greatly increased due to illegal selling and buying of marijuana. Legalization would logically end the need for such criminal behavior.Law Enforcement Reasons â€Å"National statistics show 872,000 arrests last year related to marijuana, 775,000 of them for possession, not sale or manufacturing – sparking some critics to suggest that the resources of the criminal justice system, including the crowded state prisons and courts, might be better used elsewhere,† per the San Francis co Chronicle in 2009. Drug busts of youth for marijuana offenses often carry harsh penalties that can cause undue social harm with lifelong consequences. Fiscal Reasons Marijuana is one of America's top-selling agricultural products.One California politician estimates that marijuana sales in his state top $14 billion annually. New tax revenues from legalized marijuana sales could exceed $1 billion just for California. This rich new source of tax revenues nationwide would help lift the U. S. economy out of its worst recession in decades. â€Å"†¦ mainstream pundits like Fox News' Glenn Beck and CNN's Jack Cafferty have publicly questioned the billions spent each year fighting the endless war against drugs,† per the San Francisco Chronicle in 2009.If marijuana was legalized and regulated, an estimated $8 billion would be saved annually in government spending on enforcement, including for the FBI and U. S. -Mexico border security. Cons Primary reasons against legalizing mar ijuana are: Social Reasons Some Americans believe that marijuana ingestion is immoral, and that their moral standards should be required of all Americans. Long-term or abusive use of marijuana can be harmful to a person's health and well-being. Second-hand smoke from marijuana can be harmful to others. Many allege that regular marijuana use can lead to use of harder, more harmful drugs such as heroin and cocaine.Law Enforcement Reasons Some opponents of legalizing marijuana believe that individuals involved in illegal buying and selling of the drug are more likely than average to be involved in other crimes, and that society is safer with marijuana offenders incarcerated. Law enforcement agencies don't want to be construed as supporting drug use. There are no signficant fiscal reasons against U. S. legalization of marijuana. Where It Stands On June 23, 2011, a federal bill to fully legalize marijuana was introduced in the House by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and Rep.Barney Frank (D-MA. ) T he bill would remove marijuana from controlled substance classification. Commented Congressman Frank to the Christian Science Monitor, â€Å"Criminally prosecuting adults for making the choice to smoke marijuana is a waste of law enforcement resources and an intrusion on personal freedom. I do not advocate urging people to smoke marijuana, neither do I urge them to drink alcoholic beverages or smoke tobacco, but in none of these cases do I think prohibition enforced by criminal sanctions is good public policy. â€Å"In November 2010, Californians will vote via state referendum whether or not â€Å"Californians over age 21 would be able to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and grow their own plants on a plot up to 5 feet by 5 feet large. † Additionally, Washington, New Hampshire and Massachusetts state legislatures are slated to vote on marijuana legalization bills in 2010. And more than 20 other states are considering bills to otherwise loosen criminalization of marijua na use and possession. Will President Obama Move to Legalize Medical Marijuana?Esquire magazine reported in December 2008, after Obama's election but before his inauguration, â€Å"Turns out, with several drug-war veterans close to the president-elect's ear, insiders think reform could come in Obama's second term — or sooner. † Certainly, Obama may move to decriminalize marijuana for medical reasons. The San Francisco Chronicle reported in February 2009: â€Å"During one campaign appearance, Obama recalled that his mother had died of cancer and said he saw no difference between doctor-prescribed morphine and marijuana as pain relievers.He told an interviewer in March that it was ‘entirely appropriate' for a state to legalize the medical use of marijuana ‘with the same controls as other drugs prescribed by doctors. ‘† States Could Be Given Jurisdiction Over Marijuana If President Obama does move to support decriminalization of marijuana, look fo r him to do so by granting states the jurisdiction to decide this issue, just as states decide marriage laws for their

Jack Welch Icon Of Leadership - 1483 Words

Jack Welch was the former CEO of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. During his time at General Electric, the value of the company grew 4000%, making it the most valuable company in the world at the time. In the movie, â€Å"Jack Welch: Icon of Leadership,† Jack discussed his experiences as CEO of General Electric and shared valuable insight into his management practices which he implemented throughout his career. While listening to Jack, I felt the most important aspects of his managing practices included being a proper leader, picking the right people for the job, and having integrity. As a leader of any organization, you have to have an edge, be energetic and energize others through good or bad appraisals and motivation, have an edge and execute plans. Jack called this the 4E’s of Leadership. Being a leader also involves choosing the right person for the right job, or releasing someone not fitting in. As a leader, Jack showed integrity throughout his career. He w as honest, a good character, righteous, ethical, moral, etc. These are all very good characteristics and practices of a successful leader. One of the most fundamental and important roles of being a leader is choosing the right person to fill a position. Human capital is an important factor for any company to succeed and grow. Finding the right person to hire is a key aspect of a leader. To quote Jack, â€Å"If you pick the right people and give them the opportunity to spread their wings and put compensation as aShow MoreRelatedGeneral Electric Company ( Ge )1394 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican company has been stayed in business because of the many great leaders who have led the success for GE. Leader s such as, Jack Welch and Jeff Immelt, have brought many changes at GE bringing the company into the 20th century. Jack Welch and Jeff Immelt have been very successful at changing GE and making it a more highly profitable company, due to their leadership styles and corporate culture. General Electric Company would not be here today, if it were not for one of America s most brilliantRead MoreJack Welch1492 Words   |  6 PagesErica Walker Jack Welch Dr. Kim 6 February 2014 Jack Welch: Icon of Leadership Jack Welch has been named the â€Å"Manger of the Century† and has made innovative changes to management practices. He was born as John Francis Jr. on November 19, 1935 in Salem, Massachusetts. He attended Salem High School and then after graduating went to the University of Massachusetts. At the University of Massachusetts, Jack Welch received Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. After gettingRead MoreGeneral Electric Under Jack Welch1117 Words   |  5 PagesGeneral Electric Under Jack Welch                   In 1980 right before Welch took the position as CEO of General Electric, GE s organizational rigid structure, resistance to change, and bureaucratic climate made it impossible to perceive important environmental changes. Furthermore, the organizational structure, decision-making process and information management procedures no longer fit the organization s needs. In 1981 Jack Welch was not considered a leading contender for GE s top job. HoweverRead MoreLeadership, Corporate Icon And Management Theorist1020 Words   |  5 PagesWhen Jack Welch took over GE in 1981 and became the youngest CEO in GE’s history, the well-known leader had determination to change GE into the world’s most competitive enterprise. Welch is a strategic thinker, business teacher, corporate icon and management theorist. With his exclusive leadership style and character, Welch made history during his long journey at GE. While most leaders talk a noble game on leadershi p, he lived it. Welch said to lead, do not manage. Welch did not like the word ‘manage’Read MoreEssay on Leadership (Jack Welch)2523 Words   |  11 PagesI have learned many lessons from Jack Welch on leadership. Jack Welch has been with the General Electric Company (GE) since 1960. Having taken over GE with a market capitalization of about $12 billion, Jack Welch turned it into one of the largest and most admired companies in the world by the time he stepped down as its CEO 20 years later, in 2000. Jack Welch used his uncanny instincts and unique leadership strategies to run GE, the most complex organization in the world and increased its marketRead MoreThe General Electric ( Ge )1275 Words   |  6 Pagesin most countries in the world. General Electric (GE) Widely regarded as a leading global corporation in the 20th century with operations in over a hundred and seventy countries and over three hundred thousand workers, General Electric remains an icon in best management practices. With its operations in power, appliances, energy management, aviation, oil gas, and transportation among others is ranked as among the top leading firms in the US. It is also a global leader in the digital industry withRead MoreBook Review: What the Best CEOs Know1098 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity Leadership and Management Development, MGMT 5306-VC01 Submitted to Dr. Kelly Warren September 10, 2011 What the Best CEOs Know was chosen by this reader due to Jeffrey Krames’ reputation, prior writings, and the fact that several of these CEOs are considered shining examples of the modern CEO. Krames takes an in-depth look at the modern icons of business leadership: Michael Dell of Dell Computer, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Andy Grove of Intel, Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines, Jack WelchRead MoreA Leadership Crisis Looms And Great Leaders3086 Words   |  13 PagesA leadership crisis looms and great Leaders are in short supply because of the lack of understanding of what makes great leadership. The question is what distinguishes a great leader from a good leader. I knew this question can be answered if I dig deep and get a solid understanding of the secret mantra behind great leadership. I achieved this by studying the leadership of five of the greatest Management Gurus of my time. These leaders made significant contribution across different industries andRead More HW2 Case Studies Classic Executive V2 4 Essay6307 Words   |  26 Pageswill be your IT strategy Matrix for this company CASESTUDY1. Can GE Remake Itself as a Digital Firm? General Electric (GE) is the worlds largest diversified manufacturer. Fortune named GE Americas Most Admired Company in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Jack Welch, GEs CEO and chairman since 1981, is often cited as the most admired CEO in the United States. Headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, the company consists of 20 units, including Appliances, Broadcasting (NBC), Capital, Medical Systems, and TransportationRead MoreCase - Alibaba Group7315 Words   |  30 PagesAlibaba Group At Alibaba, strategy and organization go hand-in-hand. Every year we change the organizational structure in tandem with changes in strategy. Jack Ma, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Group, stared through the fog at the cable stays of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge whistling past on his drive to the offices of Taobao (hunting for treasures), Alibabas online marketplace for Chinese retailers and consumers. The longest transoceanic bridge in the world had a long gestation period: